Bono of Rome

Saint Bonus of Rome, hieromartyr, was a priest in Rome and received the crown of martyrdom on 1 August 260, in the time of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus. His commemoration is on 1 August.

According to tradition, at that time many Christians hid their faith because of the persecution. A law was passed by which all the property of a Christian passed into the possession of the one who denounced him. Pope Stephen addressed the clergy on this account, calling the brethren to despise the goods of the world in order to attain the Kingdom of Heaven: “Do not fear the laws of the world, but pray to the Lord our God Jesus Christ, who is in heaven, that He deliver us from the hands of our enemies and from the cruelty of the devil, and unite us by His grace.” Then the priest Bonus answered: “We are not prepared enough to leave the goods of the world, but we will shed our blood for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that thus, if we are worthy, we may obtain His mercy.” As soon as these words were spoken, all the clergy bowed down at the feet of the blessed Stephen.

According to hagiographic accounts, Valerian and Gallienus resolved to be rid of Saint Stephen and his clergy. For this reason Bonus, Faustus, Maurus, Primitivus, Calumniosus, John, Exuperantius, Cyril, Theodore, Basil, Castulus and Honoratus were seized. Without a hearing they were beheaded on the Via Latina. Their bodies were collected and placed beside the bodies of Jovinus and Basileus on the Via Latina in early August 260. As the Roman Martyrology says: At Rome, on the Via Latina, the holy martyrs Bonus the priest, Faustus and Maurus, with nine others, who are described in the Acts of Saint Pope Stephen. Saint Bonus is buried in the catacombs of Priscilla. The commune of San Buono in the province of Chieti is named in his honour.